Workforce Training

Franklin County places an emphasis on workforce development, from high school through employment. The county offers technical classes at the high school level, and post-secondary technical degrees from the nearby Northwest Shoals Community College, as well as academic degrees from the University of North Alabama and other area colleges.

Northwest Shoals Community College

Northwest Shoals Community College offers two-year vocational, technical and academic degrees and certificates. Additionally, the college has a Franklin County Campus and is part of the Alabama Technology Network.Click here to visit the website.

Workforce Development Programs Include:

“Ready to Work” – Work Keys / AIDT Certification

Adult Education – Adult Basic Education, GED, College Prep

Multi-skill Industrial Maintenance Program

Career Technical Training

Northwest-Shoals Degree/Certificate Programs Include:

Welding

Drafting Computer Information Sciences

Electronics

Occupational Division:

Air Condition – Heating and Refrigeration

Electrical Technology

Machine Tool

Carpentry and Cabinet Making

University of North Alabama

The University of North Alabama offers undergraduate and graduate classes. The school’s academic degrees include majors in sciences, industrial hygiene, business, marketing, communications, and other general academic focuses. The school also offers MBA degrees and a Pre-Engineering Program.Click here to visit the website.

University of Alabama in Huntsville

Within one-hour drive, the UAHuntsville campus is located within Cummings Research Park, the 2nd largest research parks in the U.S. and home to major Fortune 500 companies. Engineering Programs include: Chemical & Materials; Civil & Environmental; Electrical & Computer; Industrial & Systems & Engineering Management; Mechanical & Aerospace; distance learning & Undergraduate Engineering.Click here to visit the website.

Robotics Technology Park (RTP)

The RTP’s mission is to provide a technically trained, highly skilled, and educated workforce for automation and robotics, to assist public and private entities in developing new robotics systems and technologies, and to promote the creation, growth, or expansion of companies through innovative technology solutions.Click here to visit the website.

Alabama Technology Network

The Alabama Technology Network brings together workforce development resources from around the state, linking two-year colleges, the University of Alabama system, Auburn University and the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA). The program provides industry-specific job training to address issues relevant to Alabama’s industries.Click here to visit the website.

Alabama Center for Advanced Woodworking Technology

The Alabama Center for Advanced Woodworking Technology was created to serve the needs of Alabama’s large woodworking industry. The center provides workforce training and ongoing employee training specific to industries that manufacturer secondary wood products. The center is located at Northwest-Shoals Community College.Click here to visit the website.

AIDT

AIDT, an institute with the State’s Department of Postsecondary Education, was established to build a well-trained workforce in Alabama. AIDT programs provide job-specific training, covering a diverse range of topics. AIDT training programs are offered free of charge to new and expanding businesses throughout Alabama.Click here to visit the website.